About This Book
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King of the Jews, demonstrating through extensive Old Testament quotations that Jesus fulfills prophecy and establishes God's kingdom. The gospel opens with Jesus' genealogy tracing His lineage through David and Abraham, establishing His royal credentials and covenant connection. Jesus' virgin birth in Bethlehem fulfills Isaiah's prophecy. Wise men from the east recognize Jesus as king, but Herod attempts to kill Him, forcing the family to flee to Egypt, fulfilling Hosea's prophecy.
John the Baptist prepares the way, calling for repentance as the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus is baptized, affirmed by the Father, and empowered by the Spirit before being tempted in the wilderness, where He defeats Satan by quoting Scripture. Jesus begins His ministry proclaiming the kingdom and demonstrating its reality through teaching, preaching, and healing. The Sermon on the Mount presents kingdom ethics—the Beatitudes, being salt and light, fulfilling not abolishing the law, teachings on anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, loving enemies, genuine piety in giving and praying, trusting God rather than worrying about material needs, not judging others, and the golden rule.
Jesus performs miracles—healing lepers, paralytics, and the demon-possessed, calming storms, raising the dead, feeding thousands—demonstrating authority over disease, nature, demons, and death. He calls twelve apostles and sends them to proclaim the kingdom. Growing opposition comes from religious leaders who accuse Jesus of blasphemy and breaking Sabbath laws. Jesus teaches extensively through parables about the kingdom—the sower, wheat and weeds, mustard seed, treasure and pearl.
He declares that upon Peter's confession He will build His church. Jesus predicts His death and resurrection three times. The transfiguration confirms His divine identity. Jesus teaches about humility, forgiveness, divorce, wealth, and service.
He enters Jerusalem triumphantly, cleanses the temple, and confronts religious leaders through parables and pronouncements of woe upon hypocrites. The Olivet Discourse describes the temple's destruction and Jesus' future return. After the Last Supper, Jesus is betrayed, arrested, tried before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, mocked, crucified, buried, then resurrected. Matthew concludes with Jesus' commission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, with His promise to be with them always.